Sister Act makes Beef & Boards debut

Hang on to your habit, because Deloris Van Cartier is about to shake things up when Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the divine comedy Sister Act as the first musical in its 2016 Season. Nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Sister Act is on stage for the first time at Beef & Boards.

Sister Act is a musical based on the hit 1992 film of the same name that starred Whoopie Goldberg in the role of Deloris. Goldberg went on to produce the uplifting Broadway adaptation that features original music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and The Beast, Little Shop Of Horrors), a Tony and eight-time Oscar winner.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act tells of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, who is put in protective custody after witnessing a murder. The cops put her in one place they’re sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, Deloris finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover.

The Beef & Boards production welcomes newcomer Zuri Washington in the role of Deloris, with Suzanne Stark (Peter Pan, The Drowsy Chaperone, Mary Poppins) as the Mother Superior, and newcomers Erick Pinnick as Curtis Shank, Lamont O’Neal as Lt. Eddie Souther, and Gabrielle Harker as Sister Mary Robert.

Sister Act is on stage for 48 performances through March 26 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $41 to $66 and include Chef Odell Ward’s freshly prepared dinner buffet and select beverages. Parking is always free.

For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays. Discounts are available to groups of 20 or more; contact the Group Sales Department for more details.

Lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Zuri Washington), center, teaches the nuns of Queen of Angels Church a new way to sing the Lord’s praises in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Sister Act, now on stage through March 25. Broadway’s divine musical comedy is based on the film of the same name that starred Whoopi Goldberg in the role of Deloris.

Deloris Van Cartier (Zuri Washington), right, introduces herself to the strict Mother Superior (Suzanne Stark), who is not happy that the lounge singer, who just witnessed a murder, will be hiding in her convent in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Sister Act, now on stage through March 25. Broadway’s divine musical comedy is based on the film of the same name that starred Whoopi Goldberg in the role of Deloris.

Disco diva wannabe Deloris Van Cartier (Zuri Washington), center, sings about her aspirations in “Fabulous Baby” with backup singers Michelle (Amy Owens), left, and Tina (Ayana Major Bey) in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Sister Act, now on stage through March 25. Broadway’s divine musical comedy is based on the film of the same name that starred Whoopi Goldberg in the role of Deloris.

Philadelphia gangster Curtis Shank (Erick Pinnick), right, sings “When I Find My Baby” about Deloris Van Cartier, who witnessed him kill a man in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Sister Act, now on stage through March 25. Broadway’s divine musical comedy is based on the film of the same name that starred Whoopi Goldberg in the role of Deloris.